Will a notarized statement from her grandparents passing custody to me and her birth certificate allow me to get her a passport?

Question: Eight months ago through a paternity test, I found out that I have a 14 year old daughter in Washington State. Her mother had passed away several years ago and her grandparents in Seattle, WA were given custody. She is currently living with me and my family in Colorado and we want to take her on a trip to Mexico.

Her grandparents are going to send me a notarized statement stating that I have temporary guardianship. Her birth certificate has her grandparent’s family name on it, versus my name as her father. Will I be able to get a passport book or card, with this documentation?

Answer: According to the Department of State Passport Services, submission of an application for a minor by a third party (because you do not have legal custody) must be accompanied by a notarized written statement or affidavit from both legal guardians authorizing you to apply for a passport.

It is important that your daughter's grandparents not only provide you with temporary legal custody but that they specifically grant you authority to apply for a passport.

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